Rugby: Ponsonby prevail in a hard-fought encounter

Prop Sione Mau scored a crucial try in Ponsonby's win yesterday. Photo / Robert Trathen

Defending champions Ponsonby needed all their renowned defensive skills to overcome a well-drilled Papatoetoe side by 22-19 at the pristine new Papatoetoe Sports Centre yesterday.

Ponsonby were without Jay Williams and Gareth Anscombe but replacements Richard Haddon and Rocky Khan stepped up well, with Khan's goalkicking the difference.

The home team scored the opening try to lightning quick winger Tenina Sauileoge, but Blues squad member Winston Stanley sparked an immediate response, leading to a try by Ponsonby hooker Joe Royal.

Papatoetoe held their own in the set piece battles, but poor kicking wasted a healthy tail wind. Livewire winger Paula Kavienga scored Ponsonby's second try after some sustained build-up work featuring captain Pom Simona and Brad Tauwhare. That gave the visitors a 15-11 lead at halftime.

First five Faga Iese slotted a penalty to close the gap to 15-14 before Papatoetoe nearly scored from the best move of the match featuring Loma Kaveinga and hard working flanker Tevita Havea.

Ponsonby regained control with a smartly taken pushover try to prop Sione Mau, converted by Khan for a 22-14 lead. Papatoetoe swept back on attack, creating space for winger Sauileoge to score his second, but Ponsonby held on to win.

Grammar Carlton winger George Moala scored four tries in a 39-13 victory over Waitemata, while University kept the Fred Allen Challenge Cup after thrashing Waitakere 73-15, with Adam Siddal scoring 33 points.

Marist beat Eden 42-12, College Rifles won 48-6 over East Tamaki, Pakuranga defeated Te Papapa-Mt Wellington 36-12, and Otahuhu and Suburbs drew 39-39.